Abstract: The aim of the article is a study of the current state and growth of phytoplankton in the Bulgarian coastal waters and in the so-called „hot spots“ (Varna Bay) (2008–2010). The established average phytoplankton biomass in the coastal waters was 1.20 g/m3. Declining trend of average annual biomass and numbers from 2008 to 2010 was registered. Spring and autumn peaks typical for the post-eutrophication period were observed during the study.